I tried my usual route at a slightly unusual time, so it was a little quieter. I seem to be in Zoom all day long most days at the moment, so it’s a welcome break to get out into a little bit of nature.

Folks seem to have got the message about keeping distance between each other whilst walking, but it’s not perfect.

A few suggestions -

* Run on the right hand side pavement. At least then we’re not running at each other.
* If you need to move out into the road to get past someone you can see the cars coming.
* Avoid crowded parts or narrow paths.
* Just come to a stop and look exasperated if you can’t see a 4m gap between people or a 2m gap between a person and an obstacle.
* In the park, run on the grass where you can. So many folks were still only running

I was finding I had to lift my legs more than usual to get through some grassy bits, which is probably good for me.

Hello Spring! 🎉

The watch was stuck on pause for 4.5km of this, but no matter. It’s gorgeous out today, so I went out for my ninth half marathon. Emily is being very supportive in helping me keep up the training, so this afternoon it will be all about making sure she can get her work done.

These long runs are feeling more and more natural. No pain, I’m allowing myself to stop and enjoy the scenery, take a photo, have some water. So not killing my self!

Some of the other folks out there today were worrying me a bit. Letting their kids on the climbing frames seems like a really bad idea. And then there were the grown ups all using the outdoor gym equipment!

The streets were really quiet, but the parks were busier than I’ve seen them in ages. Running on the paths was hard if I wanted to keep distance between me and everyone, which I did, so I ended up doing a lot on the grass. Odd that so many runners weren’t doing the same.

Hopefully we won’t have a full lock-down that stops us getting out for exercise, but I’d be surprised if there’s not another government announcement about non-essential trips outside. So perhaps this will be the last long run outside in a while - who knows. Making the most of it and we have a treadmill arriving any day now in case it’s indoors only from now on. Stay safe everyone!

No photo today - mainly because the park was so busy! The roads may be quiet but if it weren’t for the virus, I’d be saying how lovely it was to see so many folks out and enjoying the place. Anyway, keeping up the training while I can!

We’ve bought a basic treadmill as a backup for when the lockdown happens. On one level I’m glad it wasn’t today so I can still do a long outdoor run in the sun on Sunday. But on another, it seems like the government are steadily moving up through the gears and a France/Italy style lockdown is only a week or two away now.

Stay safe everyone and enjoy the outdoors while we can I guess!

My job at the moment seems to be mainly to be stuck on Zoom calls from 8-5 each day. So I took a few minutes out to stretch my legs while I still can. Assuming within a couple of weeks we’ll be in lockdown. Spoke to a woman in France today - they have to have a permit to go out of the house so that when police stop them they don’t get in legal trouble. Keep those legs going while you can! Might have to invest in a cheapo Peloton knock-off or something. 🤷‍♂️

Two of the family have mild coughs. While I’m writing this, my boy is playing with his football outside! But rules are rules, and we are all now self-isolating for 14 days. Who knows if any of us have it - a test would be helpful!

Anyway, the rules do allow you to get out for a run as long as you don’t come into contact with anyone. So I thought I’d try an intervals session. Wasn’t feeling particularly fast, but it felt like I was working much more than Strava is telling me!

Sticking with my plan of continuing to do long Sunday runs, assuming that’ll be possible for a little while yet, I went out on tired legs. Feeling pleased about yesterday’s 10k PB and I’m sure I could go faster than that in a race. Tom challenged me to get an under 45m time, and 46.45 isn’t that far off. Maybe that’s something to aim for now the marathon is on pause.

My weakest part of running now seems to be hills. So I thought I’d tackle the Crystal Palace climb, but from the other side. Discovered a lovely riverside route that was quiet, and felt much safer that running along the Thames with all the potential for bumping into pedestrians.

I very nearly had a tumble at one point, and rather embarrassingly swore at high volume next to an older couple. Ha!

So, took it slow from there, walked a bit but generally enjoyed getting out and sticking to the routine.

Amazing that running a half marathon at the weekend is now “routine” TBH.